Angelo “Skip” Saviano

Angelo “Skip” Saviano has been a trusted and proven leader in the Elmwood Park community for over 25 years. He was first elected Leyden Township Supervisor in 1989 and then went on to serve his constituents on the state level until recently retiring as Assistant Minority Leader in the Illinois House of Representatives.

Saviano is known as a staunch advocate for senior citizens and individuals with special needs and has worked diligently to enhance their lives. As a State Representative, he consistently was a sponsor of senior activities and legislation focused at protecting their well-being; he firmly believes that seniors should not have to struggle to pay their property taxes, utilities, and prescription medication.

Angelo “Skip” Saviano was regarded as one of the most influential and effective members of the Illinois legislature. His long list of credentials and dedication to public service has earned him distinctive honors in the Illinois General Assembly.

Saviano has committed himself to working on behalf of those with special needs. He has served as the chairman of the West Suburban Special Recreation Association’s (WSSRA) annual “Derby Gala” for twelve consecutive years, and has obtained grants on behalf of the organization from companies such as AT&T. Because of his dedication to helping those in need, Leyden Family Services has named Saviano chairman of their annual fundraising event for 2012.

He was also recognized as a champion for individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder as he was the leading sponsor behind numerous pieces of legislation aimed at protecting their rights.

It is because of Saviano’s consistent efforts in sponsoring and supporting legislation to aid the elderly, children and people of all backgrounds, that he has received numerous recognitions including: the “Hero Award” given by the Children’s Place, the Suburban Area Agency on Aging legislative award, NEDSRA - Northeast DuPage Special Recreation Association, and People with Disabilities legislative award, the Leyden Family Services annual award, the Triton College Student Association award, and the Leyden Psychological Rehabilitation’s “Our Champion in Springfield” award. Most recently, Saviano was honored by the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans’ as the “Joseph Cardinal Bernadin Humanitarian of the Year”.

Saviano has been a champion of public safety and has received honors including: the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois award as well as the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police award.

As State Representative of the 77th District, Saviano tirelessly worked on behalf of local governments in his district. Saviano was able obtain funding to assist with the repaving of both local and state-owned roads in Franklin Park, the construction of state-of-the-art police stations in both Northlake and Franklin Park, the upgrading of the water pump house and street lighting in the unincorporated areas of Leyden Township, and numerous other projects.

Locally, Saviano has obtained many state grants to help fund infrastructural projects in the Village of Elmwood Park. Through his leadership, the Village was able to receive state assistance for the street-scaping of the North Avenue corridor as well as the construction and upgrading of the pool, recreation center and the library.

Saviano was born in Chicago, Illinois. His family later moved to Elmwood Park where he attended Elm School. Saviano went on to attend Holy Cross High School in River Grove. He has Bachelor of Arts degree from DePaul University. After graduating, Saviano owned and operated a paralegal service which served many of the top attorneys in the Chicago Metropolitan Area. Saviano is member of St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church and regularly participates in neighborhood activities and volunteer services. He is one of the co-founders of the Taste of Elmwood Park, which is a top rated community festival of local restaurateurs and home-chefs. He is married and has two daughters.